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Thursday, August 3, 2017

VA Proposes to Eliminate Erectile Dysfunction Ratings

The VA recently released its proposed changes to the VASRD
for ratings of the Genitourinary System, the details of which can be found in
our blog post.

While most of the changes are intended to make the ratings
criteria clearer and fairer, we anticipate that one section will be more
controversial than the rest—the ratings for erectile dysfunction (ED), code 7522.

Currently, erectile dysfunction caused by deformity is rated
20%, but under the proposed changes, erectile dysfunction, for any reason,
would be rated 0%.

The VA justifies this proposed change by stating that the “VA
provides disability compensation for conditions that result in reduced earning
capacity. Erectile dysfunction . . . is not associated with reductions in
earning capacity.”

The basic idea behind all VA disability is to compensate
veterans for the inability to work and make money because of their service-connected
condition. This is the principle that guides all rating decisions—Does the
condition decrease the veteran’s ability to work?

If this change is officially made, erectile dysfunction will
not be the only condition rated 0% even though it is clearly a medical
condition and disability by definition. For example, currently, the ratings for
the eyes grant a 0% if contacts or glasses are able to fully correct a
veteran’s vision. So even though the veteran can’t see across the room without
their glasses (a clear disability), they aren’t compensated since it can be
corrected and they can presumably still work just fine.

Now even though ED would only be rated 0%, this 0% rating,
as opposed to no rating at all, is an important distinction. A 0% rating means
that the VA recognizes it as a service-connected condition. As such, it could still
qualify for Special Monthly Compensation, Category K (SMC-K). SMC-K provides a
small amount of compensation for the loss of use of a creative organ. So if the
erectile dysfunction effectively makes the veteran infertile, he would qualify
for SMC-K.

Also, because the condition is considered service-connected,
any conditions that it causes (“secondary conditions”) would also be eligible
for compensation. So if the veteran developed depression because of his ED (a very
common symptom), it would qualify for compensation. Depression is a condition
that can definitely interfere with the ability of a veteran to properly
function in his daily life and earn a living. So, even though the ED itself
would only be rated 0%, any condition that it causes that interferes with the
veterans ability to work, would still qualify.

While it is still unknown whether or not this change will
officially be made, the VA has made a distinct stand on the issue of
infertility with this proposal. In 2016, when the VA published their proposed
changes to the ratings for the Female Reproductive System, there was a
significant push from female veterans claiming that they should receive
compensation for sexual dysfunction since the men receive it for erectile
dysfunction. This proposed change would seem to indicate that the VA is no
longer going to consider any type of sexual dysfunction, regardless of gender,
as a ratable condition.

If this change goes into effect, it is not clear in the proposal
whether or not veterans who have already been awarded a disability rating for
ED will retain that benefit.

Historically, ratings, once given, have often not been
reduced or taken away when changes like this have been made. Sometimes,
however, a rating that is being eliminated because of new changes to the VASRD
will have a definite end-date for current beneficiaries. We will not know what
the ruling will be in the case of erectile dysfunction until the VA publishes
the final regulation in its entirety.

For all proposed changes, the VA grants a period of time
when we can give feedback. How do you feel about eliminating the rating for ED?
Check out our blog post about the changes and let us know your thoughts.

8 comments:

I know from past in-counters and relation ships just how depressed and angry a person can become because of ED. How ever I had no idea that one could get a disability rating of 0% & then file on the, I guess (side effects.)

I am a veteran & the (sexual dysfuntion) is an ailment that I just submitted for a few weeks ago. I feel like it definitely has changed my sexual/intimate situations over the yrs. since I discharged from active duty summer of 2012. I had never previously submitted for it, until the other day. I have 70% rated PTSD & I absolutely know that it has played a part in my sexual drive & in the gear I use to enjoy what we all enjoy. Now that will be just one of the many illnesses I am reaching for, eventho it's only 0% I am still gonna get reach for what I deserve. That is very imp. for any man & plays a part in depression I've experienced 1st hand!

The medications prescribed for many ailments contribute to erectile dysfunction. I have been receiving treatment for almost 20 years at a 100% permanently and totally disabled for PTSD, anxiety and depression and patella femoral syndrome for both knees. My body is in constant physical pain from the arthritis which leads me to take pain pills to function. This combination of medicines with those prescribed by my mental health team has destroyed my intimate relations. Being denied the joy of intimacy plays with your selfesteem and ego in ways that reach to all areas of your life. Every measure to aid veterans to feel whole should be extended. Not considering the whole of the person is shifting responsibility to avoid compensating those that have served.

My wife asked me to get help a few times for it and I have not. I find it too embarrassing to ask. Now she left me not long ago. My depression has increased even more. I don't know how to ask for help.

Sorry to hear what you're going through. I know it is hard, but the first step toward recovery is to make an appointment with a urologist. There may be ways to help you with your condition, and having a urologist perform an examination will help get you some answers and treatment options. There is hope, you just have to take that first step and meet with a urologist.

I am a mental Veteran %70 paid at %100. Because of certain medication s due to PTSD\MST, I cannot perform or satisfy my partner, wife, or have a sexual experience at all because of this condition. My quality of life is definitely affected by E.D. and this is secondary to PTSD effects. I have been diagnosed with E.D. and it is a humiliating situation in my lifestyle that angers and depresses me at the same time because I cannot perform. Definitely makes a man feel like less than he is when his (equipment) doesn't work. Good Luck, Fellas.

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About Me

As a retired Air Force Colonel and physician, I am a Military Disability and VA Disability specialist. As a physician, I have specialties in preventive medicine, occupational medicine, and healthcare administration. While on active duty, I had direct responsibility over preventive medicine for all military members in deployed environments and contingency operations. Since retiring, I have worked as a contractor for the Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR), reviewing military disability cases, and for the VA, performing C&P exams.